NASSAU, BAHAMAS — CARICOM has approved a strategy for a phased reopening of economies in the Caribbean Community.
The 50th meeting of the Council for Trade and Economic Development (COTED) was held yesterday, and the council agreed to a framework that focuses on the development and adherence to defined metrics that will guide in the reopening process.
The council is made up of Trade Ministers and officials from member countries.
“The strategy recommends a graduated model that sees governments relaxing restrictions in a deliberate, phased and incremental manner based on the transmission risk profile of the pandemic in specified geographical locations, sectors or businesses,” the regional body said today.
“The framework suggests establishing a national public-private consultative mechanism to govern the relaunch of economic activity at the member state level; minimum standards which must be attained before the relaxation of restrictions and communications to build public trust.
“There is also the proposal for Certificates of Operation to be issued to businesses that have been verified to be compliant in the protocols established for the industry.”
The meeting was chaired by the Grenada Minister of Economic Development, Trade, Planning and Labour, the Honourable Oliver Joseph; with ministerial representation from most CARICOM Member States.
The headline of the original article was amended to reflect a clarification from the Office of the CARICOM Secretary-General. CARICOM communications adviser Leonard Robertson stated: “The issue of inter-regional travel is under discussion by the Heads of Government and further the COTED did not give any deadline for re-opening if travel. What was accepted was that upon achieving certain specific metrics countries would be in a position to look at re-opening. The final decision is up to the individual country.”
